If your friend is an experienced gardener, by all means take them up on the offer of cuttings, and ask lots of questions about them. This is absolutely the best way to get started with plants that will be well suited to your area. If your friend is growing them near you, your climate conditions at least are similar.
Probably soil is also similar but ask your friend if they have improved their soil, and using what. Some counties have excellent composting programs at the landfill and here, at least, the compost is free and very good. You can't go wrong adding compost to your area, especially if it's free. Take a big plastic tub or a clean trash can and fill it up to bring home. In hot climates compost doesn't last more than a year or so, so you will want to plan on doing this every year. Spring is a good time to amend beds that are already planted.
Also observe exactly where and how your friend is growing the plants that you get the cuttings of. So, if your friend's plants are growing in the shade of a tree, you need to find a spot in similar shade because that plant probably won't do well in the sun.
Ask about how much water the plants need. Water can be a big, ongoing expense in starting a garden. Plants first getting started from cuttings need lots of water in hot weather, but as they get going and establish a good root system they will need less and less. Rain barrels, and collecting "grey" water in your shower or bathtub can save you money on watering your plants.
